Record crowds entertained by celebrities at American Century Championship

More people attended the American Century Championship at Edgewood Tahoe this year than ever before in its 28 year history: 55,801. The 2016 crowds were record-breaking as well but that just lasted one year as 2017 drew 16 percent more fans.

After Friday's first round it looked like former NBA star and current broadcaster, Charles Barkley, might not finish in his normal last place as his 105 was just one stroke behind broadcaster Al Michaels and quarterback Jared Goff. But, that short-lived hope ended Sunday with Barkley taking up last place with a -91 in the modified Stableford scoring system. Just ahead were Michaels with a -70, Jared Goff with a -71 and former NBA star Derek Fisher with a -73.

Sunday's final round grouping of entertainer Justin Timberlake, retired NFL quarterback Tony Romo and NBA star Stephen Curry was a very popular one. The players seemed to have a great time and it was hard to tell which had the best time, the players or the fans. They danced, played football and basketball, all while fitting in a round of golf. Curry ended the tournament in fourth place with the event's best round of 68, 4-under-par, and a 60 for the tournament. Romo ended up tied for 16th with his 47 and Timberlake with a 12 after three rounds of 84, 82 and 85.

The DJs on the 17th hole were there to not only entertain the crowds on the beach and along the fairway, but the celebrities on the course as well. The most requested song was "Can't Stop the Feeling," by Timberlake. The DJs said other golfers requested it to "mess with Justin."

On Sunday, Y.M.C.A. was playing during actor Jack Wagner's tee shot. He entertained the crowd by pulling back just as he was ready to hit the ball to go through the letter motions of Y, M, C and A, as did former MLB pitcher Tim Wakefield. They also joined in with the gallery in singing "Sweet Caroline" by Neil Diamond. Comedian Ray Romano gave the DJs the most requests which included Spiral Staircase and the Beatles. Former NFL coach Herm Edwards and retired hockey star Jeremy Roenick both like blasting music when they play on 17.

Some of the celebrities brought along their own giveaways. NFL Pro-Bowl Wide Receiver Golden Tate of the Detroit Lions brought along boxes of footballs for the crowd along the beach at 7, Willie Robertson of Duck Dynasty brought a case of autographed red, white and blue bandanas for the crowds, and comedian Larry the Cable Guy had hundreds of pink and green camouflaged golf balls with his trademark saying "Git R Done."

The lady golfers in the tournament also brought along golf hats to pass around to the fans.

Actor Alfonso Ribeiro, famous for his dancing of the Carlton from his former show, Fresh Prince of Bel Air, had his young sons out on 17 to dance with him. If Sunday was any evidence, they'll be following in their dad's footsteps on the dance floor. Alonso, Jr, 4, and Anders, 2, were their with mom Angela.

“I’ve never seen crowds this big on Sunday," said Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. "One of my favorite moments in sports, right up there with playing my game, going to the Kentucky Derby and NCAA March Madness, is 17 at Lake Tahoe. I love this event. I love this atmosphere, it is incredible. This is a great event and I’m happy to be playing pretty good this year. This is a staple every year.”

This year, even former President Bill Clinton stopped by Lake Tahoe. While he was in town to speak to American Century investors, he got in a round of golf at Genoa Lakes and nine holes at Edgewood.

If the fun had in Lake Tahoe this week is an indicator, much of the field of 89 celebrities from the world of sports and entertainment this year will be back in 2018.

The tournament next year will be held July 10-15.